Brendon Mccullum Stand Downs As England Test Cricket Coach

Brendon Mccullum Stand Downs As England Test Cricket Coach (Image Source: AFP)

Brendon McCullum has left his role as England's Test head coach but will remain in charge of the national white-ball set-up, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced Sunday.

England have lost seven of their last nine Tests under the former New Zealand captain.

This includes a woeful 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia in 2025/26 and last month's 2-1 loss at home to New Zealand, with both series overshadowed by allegations of a team drinking culture.

"I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together," said McCullum in an ECB statement, adding: "Of course I'm gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision."

Former England captain Ben Stokes announced his international retirement midway through what turned out to a crushing defeat in the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge -- the final match of McCullum's red-ball reign.